What a wonderful time I and other attendees enjoyed at the 10th IBBY Regional Conference in St. Louis this October. If you're not familiar with the International Board on Books for Young People and its USBBY chapter, I encourage you to learn more about their wonderful work. It was an honor to present with Ashley Bryan who illustrated the poem I wrote for the IBBY poster, "Bookjoy Around the World." I'm grateful for all I learned at the conference and for the pleasure of being with book-loving friends.

Last December, the picture books, The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe and a Spanish language edition, La hermosa Señora: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe were published just in time for the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. One of Mexico's most-loved stories is told as a story-within-a-story, making it more accessible to children and framing it within a contemporary celebration of the "special" day. The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a powerful symbol for Mexicans, people of Mexican descent, Latinos, Catholics, women and and diverse believers in the feminine force in the universe.

There are hundreds of images on Pat's Pinterest board, The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe including fine art, altars and shrines, outdoor murals, folk art, jewelry, clothing, tattoos, and food. Viewing these representations of Our Lady illuminates her status as a cultural icon.

Bookjoy for the Holidays!
Sample these books as you consider holiday gift books for family and friends, and to donate to schools, libraries, and community centers.

Gracias/Thanks
Straight from the heart of a child flows this lighthearted bilingual celebration of family, friendship, and fun. Come share the joy and think about all life's little pleasures for which we can say, "¡Gracias! Thanks!" (Also available in audio.)

A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas
A festive Latino twist on "The Twelve Days of Christmas" populated with piñatas in place of partridges, as well as burritos bailando (dancing donkeys), lunitas cantando (singing moons) and much more, all displayed in wonderful, vivid colors.

The Bakery Lady/La señora de la panadería
In this colorful bilingual picture book, Mónica yearns to be a baker like her grandparents. Her first real test comes as she and her beloved grandparents prepare for the coming celebration of January sixth, Feast of the Three Kings, el Día de los Reyes Magos.